Can I have plastic surgery safely?

This is a very commonly asked question by women. Of course, if you can afford to pay for it, anyone can have plastic surgery. But there are other considerations too. According to most doctors, a woman in good health (emotional and physical) is generally a good candidate for plastic surgery. The doctor will further review yours and your family’s clinical history to determine if you are a good candidate. Diagnostic tests may also be done to check if you are ready to go under the knife. (Related article: Having plastic surgery overseas can reduce the cost)

Mental health is another important consideration prior to deciding on plastic surgery. Some people may have very unrealistic expectations of what they can get out of a cosmetic surgery procedure. Most plastic or elective surgeries tend to raise people’s self-esteem and make them feel better about themselves. In interviews with women who have had plastic surgery, we have learned that they feel more confident about themselves, tend to dress better, and feel more enthusiastic about their personal and professional lives. But by itself, plastic surgery alone will not make you happier, wealthier, or stop a divorce or a breakup. If plastic surgery were to do that, most of these Hollywood celebrities will be happy.

Who is not a good candidate for plastic surgery?

Women who do not have perfect health, who have problems that may aggravate the risk from anesthesia or healing are often not good candidates. But remember that the doctor has the last word and this is only a general guideline.

One other aspect to consider is how your body heals. If you have a history of developing scars, you may develop larger than normal scars with plastic surgery. Your doctor will evaluate the situation and recommend accordingly.

Smoking and plastic surgery don't go very well together either. Smoking raises several risks during surgeries. Any surgery, not just cosmetic surgery. You have to inform your doctor if you smoke and you will be required to stop smoking some time before the surgery. This is not a joke; you can die if you do not obey your doctor’s orders. (Related article: How to quit smoking?)

If you are nor willing to or cannot stop smoking, you should be honest with your doctor and let him or her evaluate the situation. Do not think that you can fool the doctor and you will be OK. You may think that you may be able to fool the doctor, but during the surgery, when complication arises, it is your life and you are the one going to face the consequences.

Recommended articles

Latest plastic surgery procedures

Tummy tucks

Should teenagers have plastic surgery?